Creamy polenta with mushrooms and thyme( SERVES 4 )

Nick, a friend who is travelling in Italy at the moment, has been sending me beautiful food shots from enviable, sunny locations. Amazing seafood platters, scrummy pizzas, and a creamy polenta served with a pork ragu which really took my fancy on a cold spring day. It was that shot of the creamy polenta that evoked my happy Italian food memories, so here is a simple mushroom-topped version. It must be served hot as it will start to set if left to sit for too long, so have your friends or family seated ready to eat. Buon appetito.

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